Ode To COVID-19’s Demise

Editor’s Note: Annette wrote an Ode for The Vital Force in celebration of her 2016 accreditation. As she says, “Levity is a by-product of our T’ai Chi Chih practice. Also, creativity, as it pertains to our evolution as TCC teachers.”

#pandemicblues

Perhaps you came from outer space,
With intentions to annihilate the human race.

First suspected in a wet marketplace,
A slippery, jumpy mutation,
Hell bent on widespread ruination.

With membership in a coronavirus gang of bugs,
You invaded China and Italy like a band of thugs,
The world implores you to cease and desist your lineup of mugs.

Flu-like symptoms, cough and high fevers,
Leaving so many alone to live as grievers.
Respiratory ailments invading our lungs,
Politicians attempting to thwart you by speaking in tongues.

In the UK, Spain and the USA
mounting numbers serve as an epidemic.
Your wish was granted reaching higher status,

the W.H.O. now declared you a pandemic.

As novel as a first date,
Who would want you as first mate.

You thrive in our air and on surfaces too,
You destroyer of unity
proximity, and physical care,
Attempting to create a schism of unrepairable tear.

Sequestered to shelter-in-place,
Knowing very well you are a social disgrace.

We gathered indoors to flatten the curve,
Hoping and Praying to outwit your incredible nerve.

Many among us refused to comply,
Preference, regrettably, to believe the lie.

Hoarding bizarre household items became their right,
Stockpiling food with no end in sight,
Thinking all this greed would increase their might.

Doctors, nurses, postal workers … all working so hard,
Immeasurable hours of dedication by the yard.

Where are the needed masks and ventilators, we ask?
To decrease the anxiety about their tasks.

Teachers creating virtual lessons in record speed,
Utilizing technology, old school classrooms take heed.

Seeking immunity boosters, we consulted a reliable friend,

In our moving meditation, T’ai Chi Chih, we knew we could mend.

A soft practice hardwired for such times,

The teh gently and intuitively defines.

Justin’s words indelible in our minds,

A legacy allowing us to be intertwined.

Sinking into our practice to keep our sanity.

T’ai Chi Chih, indeed, a service to humanity!

Gathering virtually in order to Zoom,

All incredibly feeling the Chi in each and every room.

Yinning and Yanging all 19 movements and one pose,

Collective healing energy to our world thus arose.

Our workforce instructed to log in online,
Working hard to meet many a timeline.

Social media our only salvation,
Who knew we had to be apart to grow in our humane re-education.

Dolphins frolicking in our canals anew,
Improved air quality and swans emerge, to name a few.

Nature’s resurgence not holding a grudge,
Disregarding our undeniable smudge.

Children playing with siblings indoors,
Hopefully soon to emerge at our shores.

Which Twilight Zone episode did you emulate?
Requesting a Disney movie ending to populate.

Are you something of our own making?
Indestructible, calcified; there is no faking.

We resurrect as a nobler bunch,
Just expressing my hunch.

To regenerate a kinder, more compassionate world,
Mother Earth reclaiming her rightful place,
Trying to curb the rat race.

Amidst the horror of your making,
We defy you to continue the taking!